Oregon is the only state in the nation considering changes to its election process this cycle. One month before Election Day, state and national luminaries converged at the University of Oregon to discuss and debate Measure 90, the Oregon Top Two, in the context of national politics, evolution in the science of voting methods and the historic role of political parties and the primary election process. We'll post A/V and presentation materials from the event in the coming weeks.

Conference Agenda

9:30 - 9:40

Welcoming Remarks - The Founding Vision

Dave Frohnmayer, Former Oregon Attorney General, UO President Emeritus, Former Dean, UO Law School

A constitutional scholar takes us back to the country's beginning to give the context for the day's deliberations

9:40 - 9:50

Evaluation of Voting Methods – Simulation and Criteria

Clay Shentrup, Director, Center for Election Science

The study of voting methods has advanced considerably in the 200+ years since the founding of the republic. Shentrup will give a TED-style overview of the criteria and simulation methods used to evaluate the efficacy of various voting systems

What is the proper role of the political party - in the election process and in the lawmaking process? How can political parties make themselves more relevant to new voters who are increasingly choosing not to affiliate?

11:25 - 11:35

Empowering the Next Generation

Tara Sulzen, Executive Director, Oregon Bus ProjectNot left, not right, but forward - how can we engage the next generation in the political process?

11:35 - 1:00

Lunch Break

1:00 - 1:10

Introducing Debate #2 - Confessions of a Political Inside Outsider

Jefferson Smith, Founder, Oregon Bus Project, Former State RepresentativeWhat is the election process like for the candidate? From the perspective of political activist turned elected leader turned radio show host, Jefferson will introduce the afternoon's discussions

Eric McGhee, Public Policy Institute of CaliforniaEric has been studying the public policy implications the California Top Two and will share the results of his research

2:30 - 2:40

Trials and Tribulations - Redress through the Courts

Chad Peace, EndPartisanship.orgChad has been at the forefront of a national effort to challenge the closed primary system in Federal Court. He'll talk about lessons learned from the first case, recently dismissed in New Jersey, and potential next steps

2:40 - 2:50

Engage, Educate, Empower

Kate Brown, Oregon Secretary of StateOregon's Chief Elections Officer will showcase efforts to put the state on the forefront of technological and outreach solutions to connect new voters into the civic process.

2:50 - 3:05

Alternate Voting Methods and Campaign Finance

Rob Richie, FairVoteWhat impact does the voting method have on the cost to run a successful campaign? Rob will present data from cities that have adopted alternate voting methods and the impact these changes have had on campaign finance and tactics

3:05 - 3:20

Campaign Finance Reform in Oregon

Tom Bowerman, PolicyInteractiveKate Titus, Executive Director, Common Cause OregonThe cost to campaign for office continues to increase in Oregon. Tom and Kate will provide information on public support for campaign finance reform and preview the 2015 legislative reform agenda.